Glossary of Terms

A person who works in a trade, occupation, or craft under an agreement or contract and under the supervision of a qualified individual. The apprentice learns the knowledge, skills, tools and materials of the trade, occupation, or craft through on the job training and in-school instruction. 

A structured system of supervised training leading to certification in a designated trade, occupation or craft. Apprentices spend approximately 80% of their time learning their skills on the job (under the direction of skilled journeypersons) with the remaining 20% spent in a classroom setting.

A requirement in which persons entering or working in a designated trade who do not possess a Certificate of Qualification or Completion of Apprenticeship Certificate must register as apprentices with the provincial or territorial authorities. those working in the trade prior to the compulsory requirements may be exempt by provincial or territorial legislation. 

A requirement in which persons entering or working in a designated trade must possess a Certificate of Qualification or be registered as apprentices, in order to practice in the trade

ELTT are pre-apprenticeship programs are available BC post-secondary institutions and private educational institutions. Pre-apprenticeship programs do not guarantee access to a formal apprenticeship, but they provide learners with skills necessary for workplace-based training. In addition, pre-apprenticeship programs provide credit towards 1st year technical training.

A recognition of a person's work experience in a trade prior to the trade being designated for training and certification or a designated trade being declared for compulsory certification. The recognition may be in the form of granting the Certification of Qualification without examination, a permit to work at a trade for a specified or indefinite period or other forms that permit the person to remain working in the trade in the same capacity as before its designation or certification. 

The process of becoming formally enrolled as a apprentice. Once indentured, an apprentice can expect to earn a percentage (traditional 50%) of a journeyperson's wage, with yearly incremental increases over the duration of the apprenticeship term. Unionized employees who are apprentices may receive different amounts according to guidelines outline within their collective agreements.

Is provincial document recognizing that a person has attained a standard of proficiency in a set of skills, knowledge and experience in a specific trade or profession. 

Is a national certification recognizing that a journey person has met the Interprovincial Standards Program  by successfully completing an Interprovincial Standards Examination. Through the program, apprentices who have completed their training and certified journey persons, are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their Certificates of Qualification and Apprenticeship. This certification allows the journey person to practice their trade in any province or territory in Canada without writing further examines. Currently there are forty-five Red Seal trades

An occupation for which a provincial or territorial apprenticeship program is available. Trade skills can best be learned through an apprenticeship. 

A situation in which certification is available in a designated trade, but there is no legislated requirement that apprentices in a trade be registered, or that workers engaged in the trade be certified journey persons